A Toronto resident is warning people about the surge in phone thefts at crowded summer events across the city.
In a detailed Reddit post, the individual shared their own experience of having their phone stolen at the 2024 Pride parade.
“To my surprise, there were 40+ others in the same boat as me during that weekend and that I know of…,” the user shared.
They highlighted similar incidents at the Taste of Little Italy and anticipate, “it is bound to happen during Caribana.”
According to the post, organized groups are employing tactics such as pickpocketing, discreetly unzipping bags, and snatching phones from people’s hands.
The thieves observe their targets over time and utilize techniques like lightly brushing against shoulders, dancing closely, or positioning themselves to swiftly grab phones and flee if a clear path is available, the Reddit user said.
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A Toronto Police Services spokesperson shared some preventive measures with Now Toronto on Monday.
Police recommend being vigilant of strangers who do not respect your personal space or touch you in any way – the rule should be if someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they are too close.
They recommend walking with a friend whenever possible, avoiding carrying too many parcels, and never leaving your phone unattended in your purse or wallet.
Meanwhile, the Reddit user also offers practical tips including not putting phones in loose or baggy pant pockets, securing phones in front-facing bags or fanny packs, and staying vigilant in public spaces to counteract potential distractions.
They advise keeping stolen phones in “Lost Mode” on your account for an extended period to prevent unauthorized access and deter resale, cautioning against responding to fraudulent messages purporting to locate lost devices.
Furthermore, the police emphasize the importance of promptly reporting any suspicious or criminal incidents to them or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
Toronto police have a dedicated section to deal with thefts under $5,000, and people can file a report online.
